The use of physical restraints in long-term care facilities within Northern Health is three times higher than the national average, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
Restraints include bed rails, chairs that prevent people from rising, as well as trunk and limb restraints. These restraints are sometimes used to manage behaviours or to prevent falls.
According to CIHI, there are many potential physical and psychological risks associated with applying physical restraints to older adults, and such use raises concerns about safety and quality of care.
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